Gainsborough Studios West, London N1

A gigantic sculpture of Alfred Hitchcock’s head in the courtyard recalls the films he made here at the old film studios beside the Regent’s canal. This two-bedroom flat shares a gym, concierge and underground parking. Most of the film studios have been demolished, with just a few of the old walls encasing the apartment block that replaced it. Cost: £899,950.
Fyfe McDade, 020 7354 4044

Whittingehame House, Haddington, East Lothian

Designed by Sir Robert Smirke, who was also responsible for the British Museum, it was the family seat of prime minister Arthur Balfour, and William Gladstone, Winston Churchill, HG Wells and Edward VII visited here. You only get a portion of it – 9,020 aristocratically embellished square feet – and although you own the grounds, neighbours have right of way across them. Offers over £1.85m.
Strutt & Parker, 0131 718 4595

St Margaret’s Bay, Dover, Kent

Actor Peter Ustinov was stationed at a nearby pill box during the war and later bought it as a holiday retreat. This three-bedroom house was built on his land with views over the bay and 0.75 private acres of the white cliffs. However, the decor is slightly dated. Guide price: £675,000. Bright & Bright, 01304 374071